Spokane Concrete and Asphalt Manufacturer Fails to Disclose Use of Chemicals

Aug 27, 2012

CPM Development Corporation, a concrete and asphalt manufacturing facility, failed to report toxic chemical use at its Spokane, Washington facility under federal community right-to-know laws, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company has submitted the missing reports outlining chemical use and disposal at its facility, and will pay a fine.

“Companies have a responsibility to nearby communities to be transparent about the chemicals they use,” said Kim Ogle, Manager of the Inspection and Enforcement Management Unit in EPA’s Seattle office. “Many chemicals, such as lead, are especially harmful to children.”

EPA found that the company failed to report on time for its processing of lead compounds and nitrate compounds in 2010. During that year, the company processed more than 100 pounds of lead compounds and more than 25,000 pounds of nitrate compounds, the threshold amounts that trigger reporting requirements under the federal Toxics Release Inventory program.

Lead is a persistent, toxic chemical that can accumulate in our bodies and is especially harmful to young children. Nitrates can cause dangerous blood conditions, low blood pressure and are particularly harmful to pregnant women and children.

Under the federal Toxics Release Inventory Program, companies that use certain toxic chemicals are required to report annually about releases, transfers and waste management of those chemicals at their facilities. The TRI program is under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, which aims to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their neighborhoods.